Oh, look, it's good ol' Paul in [CR] dream land :-> (no, really, I think your posts are among the most valuable here):
- feature set, such as GPS, wireless, remote flash control
... my 2ct: built-in rt controller won't happen unless Yongnuo has a built-in radio speedlite system (not yet) and even then Canon would have to forced at gunpoint to give up $500 sales for a 600rt as a master. The idea is that enthusiasts are ok with optical fallback control via the pop up flash, and if you venture further into flash photography you just have to cough up the $$$ to be able to use the nice 600rt display or the in-camera rt control rather than some awkward 3rd party external controller.
I also don't see gps in a pro/sturdy body, of course it could be done but it's rather an amateur feature given the advantages of external loggers and Canon would admit they'd just left out the 6d flash and gps from the 70d for marketing and no real tech reason.
- as the 70D has the 7D's AF, the 7DmkII will have improvements in that space
... not quite, this is a spec sheet fallacy: the 70d af system has just the same number of af points, knowing Canon I doubt they'll confuse simple xxd customers with too much customization in the fw plus lacking a dedicated af processor it might well be the 70d is slower & has worse tracking than the 7d1!
- an articulated screen (the 7D's is 'fixed')
... but that would half the number of potential 7d2 customers after years of dogmatism that a swivel screen isn't "pro", cannot be properly sealed and will break off the camera just by looking at it :-> ... as a 60d owner though, I know how handy that is for video, tripod & awkward angles.
Thanks Marsu42... I appreciate yr reply and overall posts too.
1. I think that RT flash control
will be incorporated in the 7DmkII (not just 'hoping'). To me it seems a logical step, as master flash control also used / introduced to APS-C via the 7D - as neuro also noted. Those in the market for a 7DmkII would possibly be 'tempted' with suitable / matched flashes.
2. While GPS wasn't incorporated in some more 'pro' bodies - and I'm aware some countries or locations restrict certain cameras and/or with GPS devices - I think that the 7D isn't "pro" enough to be affected. Time will tell.. I see your point on this, though. GPS not a huge issue for me either way (as long as I can switch toggle between on / off easily to save battery power)
3. AF - There was wording from Canon (can't find it now, as I'm in a break at work) that indicated that the 70D's AF was the 'AF system' borrowed from 7D. Not 'just' the 19 (cross type) AF points. Then again, it didn't specify it was the 'whole AF system'. The 7D has some additional AF settings over the 70D (eg AF point assist).
I believe much or the hardware and the algorithms are the same as the 7D (including the 70D appearing to have a dedicated AF processor - like the 7D does - as it appears from some posts). But yes, I expect there may be some differences. It would be good if the 70D actually has some improvements - eg maybe tweaked algorithms to increase AF accuracy & consistency shot to shot when AF is 'close'.
Another website did extensive testing of 7D's AF accuracy / consistency - in both Optical (Phase) & Live View. The 7D was rated as good & a definite improvement over the XXD line, but not as consistent as 5DmkIII or 1DX. I hope the 7DmkII gains something similar in this regard to the 5DmkIII - and perhaps a few extra AF points - as was suggested - an extra top / bottom AF pt for each column... (me like!)
I must say after learning and setting the 7D's AF for certain scenarios, I've captured many great shots - including BIF with my 7D that I couldn't get with any other Canon APS-C bodies before it. I think improved AF
is going to be a feature of 7DmkII.
4. Swivel screen - I enjoy macro photography a lot, and an articulated screen can be invaluable here, especially when taking photos at ground level. Also, at times for events / crowds / creativity - an articulated screen can be so useful (as well as for video, though I don't do much video at all).
Also, if they have a similar menu as the 7D (but with touch-screen possibilities, like the 70D seems to have implemented well) - that would be nice!
5. Additionally, I hope they stick with the 3 custom modes on the dial. We really can get rid of any 'auto' modes... please! Maybe for attracting 'entry level users' it will stay there, but the 'creative auto' it
really can go (and there is no need for any 'scene modes') and instead we get an additional 1 or 2 custom modes on the dial... I would LOVE 5 custom options. I can see and understand the 70D is targetted differently with more 'beginner' auto / help options to the 7D.
Let's see....
Paul